Official Synopsis
This cinematic classic follows sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) as they are stuck with a flat tire during a storm and discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a sweet transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”
Yeah, wow. I mean…wow. Dear readers, this is not only my first time reviewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show on a digital format, but it’s also my first time viewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show…ever. So, instead of telling you my pros/cons of this feature, and certainly there are both, I’m just going to tell you about what a helluva time I had watching the slow progression of two dull characters into beautifully bloomed flowers.
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The journey of Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) into the madness of Dr. Frank-N-Furter-A Scientist’s (Tim Curry) castle is something to behold. It’s a pure 70s pleasure that is almost as titillating as the sex ‘orgy’ that awaits the couple during the musical burlesque number towards the end of the film. It doesn’t apologize for its actions and gets you craving just a bit more from it. In short, wow, it’s god**** amazing.
What’s magical about this film is how it just starts off with enough cheese and camp to satisfy a Disney television show. As our innocent duo progresses through the the different wild stages of madness that Frank-Furter releases, the cheese and camp disappear and the complete immersion into the ‘slightly unconventional and uncomfortable, but feels right’ starts happening. It’s a rush, folks. I can see why people adore this film and make it an annual ritual in select theaters across the country. Our own Kentucky Theater here in town features this movie every year. I think it’s about time to join the fun.
Before I become a critic again and try to tell you my snobby opinion of this oddball classic, I think I’ll end here. This was one of the best movie experiences I have had in a while. You better be damn sure it’s going to be one for years to come.
On the Blu-ray side of the equation, bravo to 20th Century Fox! Sometimes they struggle with getting their films transferred properly to Blu-ray, but this time they took great care in it. This was a great transfer to HD. It does have some slight imperfections, but for the most part everyone looked gorgeous and the picture really emitted that 70s flavor to it in the best of styles. Fox did a notable and worthy job with the Blu-ray transfer, as well as with the audio transfer, which is in 7.1.
As for features, dear lord in heaven, it’s loaded. Not only are you getting a classic musical, but you’re getting a set of features that is worthy of an anniversary moniker. Here is what to expect:
• Rocky-oke: Sing It!
• Commentary By Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn (Magenta)
• Don’t Dream It, Be It: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part I
• An-tic-i-pation: The Search for the 35th Anniversary Shadowcast, Part II
• Mick Rock (A Photographer)
• Mick Rock’s Picture Show (A Gallery)
• A Few From The Vault
◦ Deleted Musical Scenes
▪ 1: ”Once In A While”
▪ 2: ”Super Heroes”
• Outtakes
• Alternate B&W Opening
• Alternate Credit & Misprint Ending
• “Rocky Horror Double Feature Video Show” (1995)
• Beacon Theater, New York City (10th Anniversary)
• Time Warp Music Video
• The Midnight Experience
• Pressbook & Poster Gallery
Why yes, there is a shitload of features here. Onto the summary.